Derwent Training
Derwent Training, based in Malton has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer with almost 20 years’ experience in learning and apprenticeships, as it continues to grow and support learners and employers from across the North.
Vicki Parker began her career as a tutor in 2007 and has held numerous roles including Apprenticeship Manager, Quality Manager, and most recently Head of Training Operations at a creative academy, so is well-placed to hit the ground running.
Claire Gavaghan, CEO at Derwent Training said: “Vicki has fantastic experience which make her an asset to our team and I’m thrilled to have her on board.
“She already has lots of great ideas and has fit in well with our staff.”
Vicki said: “I can’t wait to get stuck in and understand how the learners’ experience can be improved even further.”
The company provides training to apprentices, employers and individuals to build skills and improve employability across Yorkshire and the North East from its training centre in Malton, where it can offer face-to-face delivery such as level three and level four apprenticeships, as well as online delivery to upskill employees through bespoke training and CPD courses.
Allies Group
There have been key hires at marketing firm Allies Group, based at Newcastle Quayside.
New recruit Simon Rushworth will be supporting Head of Communications and PR, David Bootle, in the position of Senior Communication Manager, to enhance Allies Group’s dedicated PR function, after the senior journalist and media manager joined the team in September.
A familiar face on the North East’s media scene and an experienced lecturer in journalism and PR, the Tyneside-based all-rounder said: “I’ve known David for many years and it’s an exciting time to be joining his team,” says Simon. “After several years teaching third-year university students the value of effective PR, it’s time to practise what I preach.”
Joining Simon as a permanent member of staff is PR Account Manager, Shehla Momin.
Since February, the journalism graduate with PR experience in the Middle East has been combining a part-time role at Allies Group with studies towards a Master’s degree in Media, PR and Communications at Newcastle University.
David added: “Her approach is strategic and well-thought through and I’m looking forward to seeing her go from strength to strength.
“In addition, her background in a Middle East agency means she has some excellent contacts across the GCC and wider Middle East.”
Rathbones
Rathbones Investment Management has appointed James Kyle as Regional Director in its Newcastle office as the company bids farewell to Nick Swales, who has retired from his role as Regional Director.
James has worked at Rathbones as an Investment Director since it opened the office in 2013.
As Regional Director, he will take a key leadership role in growing the office and Rathbones brand in the region while continuing to manage and develop client relationships.
He said: “Nick is a fundamental pillar of the business community in the region and has set a real precedent for the role he is leaving.
“He has driven substantial business growth in the North East and the team will miss him dearly.
“I look forward to this new opportunity to help drive the business forward and I hope to continue Nick’s legacy.”
Active
Active Chartered Financial Planners is expanding its client offer with two key new appointments due to the firm’s continued growth.
Leanne Rogers, from Middlesbrough joins with three years’ financial planning experience, applying the attention to detail she gained in her previous career as a pastry chef. Leanne trained in prestigious kitchens around the UK and overseas, including spending six years working in the French Alps. After returning to the North East, she hung up her apron to focus on a career in finance.
Leanne said, “I’m excited to bring my experience to the team. I’m really looking forward to supporting our clients with their financial planning needs, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a great team – especially at a time of growth.”
Tom Walton from Stokesley gained a degree in Accounting and Finance from Newcastle University and worked for a well-known North East haulage firm before embarking on an extended travel adventure across Southeast Asia and Australia.
Now back in the UK, Tom is eager to apply his knowledge and a fresh perspective to his new role at Active.
“Joining the team here is an exciting next step in my career and a fantastic opportunity to use the knowledge I gained from my degree.
“I’m looking forward to helping clients navigate their financial planning journeys while continuing to learn and grow within the industry.” said Tom.
Rachel McCulloch, associate director said “We really needed to strengthen our support team, so we are thrilled to have Leanne and Tom on board.
“Their unique backgrounds and dedication to excellence will enrich the support we provide to our clients, continuing our commitment to providing outstanding financial planning.”
Stockton-based Active has been serving clients in the region for over two decades, offering a range of independent financial planning services.
Newcastle Building Society
Vanessa Buckle has been appointed as the manager of Newcastle Building Society’s new Pickering branch.
The Building Society has chosen to open a new full-service branch in Pickering as part of its commitment to investing in the provision of face-to-face services and restoring essential banking services in towns abandoned by high street banks.
Pickering local, Vanessa, is on the board of the town’s community interest company (CiC) and chair of Pickering Rocks, its annual community music festival. With over 30 years of experience in financial services previously working for Lloyds, Nationwide, AIG and MoneySuperMarket, Vanessa is now leading the team at Newcastle Building Society’s latest branch to provide local residents and businesses with much needed financial services in their communities.
The branch comes just months after news of the closure of the last bank branch in Pickering, with Barclays citing falling customer usage and increased preference for digital banking behind its decision to close in January 2025.
The branch also includes a OneBanx kiosk which enables small businesses and personal customers of any bank that offers open banking to deposit and withdraw cash from their accounts.
Vanessa said: “I’m so passionate about Pickering and how we can maintain our vibrant high street and thriving local economy. Newcastle Building Society’s commitments very much align with my own core values and beliefs and the team at our Market Place branch are all committed to delivering the best possible face-to-face service for our members.”
As well as investing in its branch network, over recent years Newcastle Building Society has opened in several new locations, including their innovative community partnership branches in Yarm, Wooler, Hawes, and Knaresborough which share space with other local services such as libraries, tourist information and even community police officers.
John Hicks, Head of Branch Network at Newcastle Building Society, said: “Vanessa’s passion for the town and local knowledge of its people and businesses will no doubt help her in successfully leading what we hope will become a vibrant high street branch.”
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